FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023: Inner West Council concerned over potential public screening block, licensing fees

FIFA could block Sydney councils from showing the home women’s World Cup to footy-mad kids, with a possible broadcast-blackout radius and “prohibitive” licensing fees.

Soccer-mad fans and parents said they hoped screenings across the city could show Matildas games. Picture: Justin Lloyd.

The world’s governing soccer body could block Sydney councils from showing the home women’s World Cup in public parks with a possible broadcast-blackout radius and “prohibitive” licensing fees.

Inner West Council mayor Darcy Byrne said he was growing increasingly concerned the local government area would be unable to host screenings of July’s tournament in Australia and New Zealand, calling on FIFA to provide clarity.

“If FIFA treat it as a money-making exercise instead of an opportunity to bring the country together it would be a disgrace,” Mr Byrne said.

An application process and potential screening exclusion zones, confirmed by FIFA, and what the mayor called potential “prohibitive” licensing fees could see the LGA become a ‘soccer desert’ during the tournament.

“We understand there’ll be a fee which would be prohibitively expensive (for us to host a screening),” Mr Byrne said.

Sam Kerr will hopefully fire the Matildas to home glory in July. Picture: Getty

“There’s also an exclusion radius around FIFA’s own broadcast sites, and given our proximity to the fan fest at Tumbalong Park we may get caught up in that.”

Council resolved to host screenings of the Matilda’s games after the success of similar events for December’s men’s World Cup, with Henson Park, Pratten Park and Leichhardt Oval all earmarked as sites.

Mr Byrne said council didn’t have to apply to host screenings of the Qatar World Cup.

“The idea that FIFA’s complete control over broadcast licensing also extends to preventing councils from allowing the community to come together and watch is absurd,” he said.

Inner West mayor Darcy Byrne said he was concerned council wouldn’t be allowed to host screenings. Picture: Damian Shaw

“We had thousands in Enmore for a Socceroos screening and we were envisioning enormous crowds for the Matildas’ games.”

Mum-of-two Tracy Bucciarelli said she’d managed to clinch tickets, but for those who didn’t public screenings were a great way to watch.

“As role models for our girls, we want to encourage them to see the Matildas as much as possible,” she said.

Councils will have to apply and potentially pay fees to host public screenings. Picture: David Crosling

“If we can't be at the game then getting communities together in a safe space to share that excitement is the next best thing.”

Ms Bucciarelli’s 10-year-old soccer-mad daughter Anastasia said it was “inspiring” to have the World Cup come to Australia.

“We’re all very excited to have it here, instead of having to travel everywhere,” she said.

(L-R) Gabriella Di Pietro, 12, Zara Ralphm, 9, Katia Di Pietro, 10, Anastasia Bucciarelli, 10, and Violet Quinlan, 12, at Edwards Park, Sydney’s Inner West. Picture: Justin Lloyd.

Anastasia (second-right) said it was “inspiring” to have the World Cup in Sydney. Picture: Justin Lloyd.

Kristy Castelvetere, whose son Marcus plays soccer in Marrickville, said no local screenings would be a “real shame”.

“It (no screenings) would be a real shame as it would be good for the kids to watch with their fellow teammates and football family while immersing themselves in the community spirit,” she said.

NSW Sports Minister Steve Kamper said he wanted as many eyeballs as possible on the cup.

“We want young fans to get involved as much as possible and discussions are ongoing on public locations for fans to enjoy the game and the unique atmosphere that only comes from hosting an event like this,” he said.

Anastasia and her mum Tracy Bucciarelli. Picture: Justin Lloyd.

A FIFA spokesman refused to confirm or deny whether councils would be forced to pay a fee, but did confirm they’d have to apply and “consideration” would be placed on their proximity to the organisation’s own screenings.

“There will be the possibility to screen games provided one obtains a public viewing license... (which can be) obtained from FIFA or from a FIFA-nominated broadcaster in the given territory,” the spokesman said, who explained “different conditions” would apply if a screening was commercial or non-commercial.

“Applications will be reviewed with all the information about the event, taking into consideration proximity of FIFA fan fests,” he said.

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